Spring Permaculture Design Certificate Course, Weekends March 16-May 5
Finally, the best education you never had is within reach. This Spring join us for seven weekends of sustainable education and exploration. Designed by practitioners for practitioners, we have sought out and invited regional experts in various fields to provide firsthand knowledge of all aspects of sustainable living and homesteading. Each course involves hands-on learning, visits to various example sites, and multiple expert regional presenters. Learning from those with experience and expertise will save you years of costly mistakes and accelerate the creation of your own sustainable homestead, small farm, or backyard permaculture oasis.
In addition to an in-depth exploration of various topics, each course ties the material to permaculture practice and theory as we explore the standard 72-hour PDC material. Enroll in the individual courses you like or take the whole series to earn your Permaculture Design Certificate from Solid Ground Farm. Register Now.
THEORY AND PRINCIPLES OF PERMACULTURE
March 16 and 17, 2013
Learn the ethical and theoretical basis of permaculture. Explore the principles and practices that lead to an integrated, low-maintenance, regenerative homestead and lifestyle, as we explore the patterns that connect us all. Led by Rebecca Wood of Hopewell Holistic Health and Doug Crouch of TreeYo Permaculture. See the weekend schedule here.
BUILDING FERTILITY
March 23 and 24, 2013
The foundation of sound agriculture is rich, fertile soil. Join us as we explore strategies to boost and perpetually maintain the perfect soil. Topics covered include the soil food web, desertification, soil types and amendments, vermiculture, thermophilic compost, cover crops, mulch, bio-char, and compost teas. Led by Kathy Jacobson of the Broadwell Hill Learning Center and Marilyn McHugh and Chris Kennedy of the Hummingbird Project. View the schedule here.
FOREST GARDEN DESIGN
April 6 and 7, 2013
Observing and familiarizing ourselves with native ecosystems and plant communities, we learn to use nature as a model for designing our own “forests”, creating systems that produce year-round supplies of food, animal fodder, fuel, fiber, and medicinals. Topics include trees and their energy transactions, guilds and perennial poly-culture design, designing for temperate and tropical climates, plant propagation, and more. Led by Kurt Belser and Weston Lombard with guest presenters Pete Woyar and Dr. Frank Porter. View the weekend schedule here.
NATURAL BUILDING BASICS
April 13 and 14, 2013
Get your hands dirty as we explore the various regional natural building options from cob to straw bale to earth bags and more. This workshop will explore the basics of small home design, from site and materials selection, to alternative and energy efficient technologies. waste-stream management, to designing for catastrophe.
Led by Chris Fox of Fox Natural Construction, includes visits to natural builders homes and discussion with Wes Thompson, Piper Avolokita, and more.
View weekend schedule here.
AQUACULTURE AND WATER
April 20 and 21, 2013
50,000 gallons of water run off your roof each year. How are you putting it to use? Explore home and farm scale water catchment, rain gardens, swales and earthworks, and closed loop aquaculture systems growing fresh veggies and local fish. Special guest instructors from Fresh Harvest Farm join us for a full afternoon of aquaponics basics, including actually creating a small scale system. Led by Josh Beniston and Weston Lombard, with Hank Huggins. See weekend schedule here.
INTEGRATIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT
April 27 and 28, 2013
Join us as we explore the diversity of livestock opportunities for the Appalachian region. Visit traditional and not so traditional farms to learn livestock housing options, foraging and diet, fencing, and stocking rates, rotational grazing, holistic management, and rangeland and wildlife management. With expert help, design the livestock system that suites your needs. Led by Sasha Sigetic from Integration Acres. Includes site visits and special guests JB and Charlene King of King Family Farm, Neil Perin of Arcadian Acres, Blackhaven Farm, and more. See weekend outline here.
SOCIAL PERMACULTURE AND CLOSED LOOP SYSTEMS
May 4 and 5, 2013
This weekend we tie it all together with a big picture look at permaculture in action. Beginning with a panel discussion of “strategies for an alternative nation” we learn to apply permacuture in our own lives and communities. With our toolboxes now complete we will apply our considerable knowledge to designing functional permaculture systems integrating all aspects of permacultre design. Assisted by local practitioners and designers final projects will be completed and presented to the public. (This weekend is only available to those taking the full course). View weekend schedule here. View final design project guide here.
Where to Stay
All out of town guests will have the option of camping on the farm, or pitching an air mattress in the barn “gym”. Several beds are available in the house as well on a first come basis. If you are local, please consider commuting. A discounted rate is available for those who do not need accommodations.
If you want a more comfortable vacation experience Sand Ridge B and B is only 2 miles down the street and offers wonderful hospitality plus a discount to anyone in the course.
How Much Does It Cost?
Call or email for current weekend rates: 740-856-6299 or westonlombard@gmail.com
To Register download this registration form and mail to:
Solid Ground Farm
13262 Liars Corner Rd
Millfield, OH 45761
Contact Weston Lombard at
740-856-6299, email westonlombard@gmail.com, or “like” Solid Ground Farm on Facebook to receive updates on course information and other sustainable living topics.